Crop Rotation Group
Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family)
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Soil
Fertile, well drained soil.
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Position
A sunny spot where fennel’s tall branches will not cause unwanted shade.
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Frost tolerant
A short-lived hardy perennial, fennel will survive winter temperatures to -17C (0F).
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Feeding
Not usually required.
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Companions
-
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Spacing
Single Plants: 35cm (1' 1") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 40cm (1' 3") row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Start seeds indoors in early spring, or plant them outdoors while the weather is still cool.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Fennel flowers attract numerous small beneficial insects.
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Harvesting
Gather fennel fronds as you need them in the kitchen. Fennel can reseed to the point of weediness. Gathering and using the blooms as cut flowers will prevent excessive reseeding.
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Troubleshooting
Prune back fennel plants in mid autumn, before cold weather turns the plants to mush.
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